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Why a career in chartered accountancy?

If you think chartered accountants spend their lives confined to their desks, then think again. They are sitting on the boards of multinational companies, testifying in court and advising governments, as well as supporting charities and businesses from every industry all over the world.

Benefits

Great earning potential

Globally ICAEW Chartered Accountants earned on average £111,000 in 2015

Global recognition

Accountants who have completed the ACA qualification are sought after by employers all over the world

Chartered profession

The ACA qualification enables you to use the title 'chartered accountant' distinguishing you from other accountants

Multiple career choices

ICAEW Chartered Accountants work for businesses, governments and even charities in a variety of roles

ICAEW Chartered Accountants are the largest source of business advice in the UK, reaching more than 1.5 million organisations. They undertake a large variety of work which can see them preparing financial statements and developing profit projections one day, and identifying strategic risks or advising on business improvements the next.

This means that ICAEW Chartered Accountants are highly qualified individuals and in demand from all types of organisations, all over the world, and command an average annual salary of £49,900 in the first two years after qualifying.

What do accountants earn?

As a chartered accountant you can look forward to a very competitive salary both while you train and once you are qualified.

Salaries for those studying to become a chartered accountant depend on the size and type of organisation, the industry sector and the location (see below for the figures from ICAEW's 2015 salary survey).

Graduates in the UK enjoy starting salaries in the accountancy sector of up to £30,000 (Source: High Fliers Research, The Graduate Market in 2016).

The good news doesn’t end there, many students are able to double their salary during training and earnings for newly qualified ICAEW Chartered Accountants are on a par with those in law and banking.

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Where do accountants work?

Working in practice

Many chartered accountants work within accountancy practices providing their financial expertise to clients.

Accountancy firms vary in size from multinational giants, to small firms with a single office or a specialism in one area of finance, such as tax.

Regardless of the size of the company, working across a portfolio of clients means that chartered accountants enjoy a variety of work.

You could find yourself working with a new tech business start-up, a global retailer or a national charity.

Forensic accounting– investigating fraud and other financial misrepresentations and working with lawyers, insurance companies and clients to resolve disputes.

Insolvency– providing guidance to businesses in difficulty, such as advice on improving cashflow or selling assets.

Tax– advising clients on tax law and tax planning, alongside completing and submitting tax returns and working with HMRC.

Across the business, finance and accountancy sectors...

ICAEW Chartered Accountants work at the highest levels of business across all economic sectors. They hold positions within the finance departments of companies and not-for-profits all over the world. They work in accountancy firms, large and small, offering vital services to individuals and business clients. And they operate within public sector organisations helping to shape spending on education, health and other vital services.

Working in industry

All types of businesses from football clubs and fashion houses, to manufacturers and media companies, have chartered accountants working within their financial departments.

In-house accountants forecast and monitor revenue coming into and leaving an organisation, as well as having a broader operational role.

Grant Thornton

We are much more than just accountants – and so are the people that work for us.

Working in not-for-profits

Chartered accountants also play a key role in the running of public services and charities.

They work in local authorities helping to decide how money is spent on schools, housing or policing, for example, and for government departments, including the Treasury, supporting decisions that have an immediate, positive impact on society.

Others work in charities ensuring resources are being managed effectively and raising the profile of fundraising projects.

McDonalds

Finance is integral to our business, and looking after the company accounts is only the start.

Working in financial services

Chartered accountants are also helping to shape the future of the financial services sector. They work within high street and investment banks making key recommendations on investments, risks and strategy.

Others meanwhile work for insurance companies helping to assess the risk of insurance deals and advising on costs.